Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck Recipe
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck Recipe, we'll examine all 28 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Duck liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health and wellbeing.
Water sufficient for processing is a necessary component in wet dog food recipes. It provides the required moisture to create a palatable texture and consistency, making it easier for your pet to consume and digest their food.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.
Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.
Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.
Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein content of at least 8.00% in the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck Recipe is primarily derived from the first ingredient listed, deboned duck. Duck is a high-quality source of animal protein that provides essential amino acids necessary for a pet's muscle development and maintenance. Additionally, duck liver contributes to the protein content as well as providing vitamins and minerals.
Crude fat content is at a minimum of 3.00%. This value is influenced by the natural fats found in the deboned duck and duck liver. Animal tissues and organs are known to contain fats that are crucial for supplying energy, supporting cell structure, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude fiber is listed at a maximum of 1.40%. This low fiber content is consistent with the limited ingredient list, which does not include traditional fiber sources like grains or vegetables. The locust bean gum and guar gum present in the ingredients may contribute to this fiber content. These are used as thickening agents and also provide a small amount of dietary fiber.
The caloric content of the food is 947.00 calories per kilogram. This energy value is a result of the combined caloric contribution from the protein, fat, and carbohydrates (though not explicitly listed in the guaranteed analysis) present in the ingredients. The main contributors to the calorie content are the deboned duck and duck liver, due to their protein and fat content.
The vitamins and minerals listed, such as Vitamin E, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, and others, do not directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, and fiber but are essential for the overall health of the pet. They are likely added as supplements to ensure a balanced diet. Minerals like Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, and Copper Sulfate are also supplemental and necessary for various bodily functions but do not contribute to the macronutrient values in the guaranteed analysis.
